I Am Legend by Richard Matheson Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of I Am Legend
Book Review: "I Am Legend," says Richard Matheson
Summary: 5 Stars
Stephen King once wrote, "[W]ithout Richard Matheson I wouldn't be around." Many authors can make the same statement. Matheson's work has greatly shaped the horror genre, and his novel I Am Legend has been one of the most influential stories of his time.
One of the best things about the book is Matheson's portrayal of the vampire. These creatures are ravenous and feral and widespread; they have taken over the earth. They act much like zombies--or rather, zombies act like them: George Romero admits that Matheson's I Am Legend inspired his zombie apocalypse in Night of the Living Dead.
Matheson also contributes an interesting scientific explanation for the vampire outbreak. Robert, the protagonist, turns to books in his quest to understand the pandemic, and his discoveries explain everything from why the infected avoid garlic to why they crave fresh blood. His search for knowledge lends the novel a pragmatic feel emphasized by simple, clear-cut writing.
There are many reasons why genre masters such as Stephen King and George Romero credit Matheson as an influence. I Am Legend is definitely one of them.
Book Review: $14 for a short story
Summary: 2 Stars
$14 for a short story. Too much. I didn't realize until i purchased the book that the book contains several short stories, one of which is I am legend. Cashing in on the impending film?Book Review: 2nd only to Stoker.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book, which is sadly short, is easily the second greatest vampire story written, behind Dracula of course.Once i started reading I Am Legend i just could not put it down and finished it in one long sitting. It starts off superb and doesnt let up one bit. The ending also is beautiful, smart, and tragic. Truly original.
And what many people arent mentioning is that I Am Legend only takes up half of this book. The second half is a compilation of Matheson's short stories and are extremely entertaining also.
Buy this book. Now!
Book Review: 3 stars for "I am Legend" and 5 stars for the short stories
Summary: 4 Stars
I have been a big fan of Richard's work on The Twilight Zone and Rod Serling's Night Gallery, but have never read any of his actually works until I picked up this book. "I am Legend" has influenced many greats from George Romero to Stephen King, but for some reason or another this book didn't blow me away like I was hoping it would. First off, the vampires are basically just talking zombies that drink blood and are afraid of garlic and crosses. Personally, I think Romero's vision of alienation and horror in the films "Dawn of the Dead" and "Night of the Living Dead" is much suprior to that of "I am Legend's." Second off, I hated the ending. I will not go into details, but I was disappointed and was left scratching my head at the logic of it. The book is still a pretty decent read. My favorite parts were Neville's relationship with befriending the dog and I also liked how the female vampires tried to lure Neville outside by using their sex appeal. The short stories (at least 7 of them) on the other hand are absoultly brillant. Espically, "From Shadowed Places", "Witch War", "Buried Talants", "Prey", "The Funeral", "Dance of the Dead", and "Mad House." The other stories are average at best, but these are the real keepers. "From Shadowed Places" is one of the most creepy and unnerving things I have ever read. "The Funeral" was always one of the most charming Night Gallery segments, and the short story is just as good. And "Mad House" is funny, demented, and horrifying all rolled up in one. I think I like Richard more as short story writer.
Book Review: 4.5 stars. what legends are made of...
Summary: 4 Stars
upside: i usually dont go for the supernatural/horror genre, but this book hooked me. i was studying at borders and someone left this book at the table i was sitting at. read the back cover and the rest is history. im a sucker for these "survival" stories, man vs in this case, its vampires and matheson breaks it down to a science.downside: theres a collection of short stories written by matheson that disappoints following the conclusion of this book. after enjoying "i am legend" so much, it was such a letdown.
highly recommended to all.